The Rockies have acquired left-hander Justin Bruihl from the Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Bruihl was designated for assignment late last week alongside infielder Eddys Leonard to make room for right-handers Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly. The 26-year-old lefty made his debut for the Dodgers in 2021 with a solid 2.89 ERA and 3.97 FIP in 18 2/3 innings of work. While he’s taken a step back in subsequent years, a career 3.65 ERA in 66 2/3 innings of work indicates he can be a solid middle relief option from the left-hand side. That being said, his 4.48 FIP and well below-average 15.6% career strikeout rate indicate he’s unlikely to be much more than that,
In Colorado, Bruihl figures to slot into a bullpen that already lost Brad Hand earlier today and could still see Brent Suter traded before the deadline as well. Should Suter follow hand out the door, Bruihl will be the sole lefty in the Rockies bullpen and could play his way into higher leverage work alongside the likes of Justin Lawrence and Daniel Bard. As for the Dodgers, the move officially ends Bruihl’s time with the club, though LA still has plenty of left-handed options for their bullpen, including Alex Vesia, Caleb Ferguson, and Victor Gonzalez.